Sometimes it is difficult for me to begin to comprehend the struggles our kids have gone through before arriving at our Home. Things that you and I may take for granted, such as heat in our homes or a stocked pantry, are things that too many of our children went without. Children like Ashley.

Ashley’s family never had much money. Growing up, she was used to going without things—new clothes, school supplies, even meals sometimes. She got used to squeezing into the same winter jacket year after year, even when the sleeves became too short and she could barely close the buttons. She didn’t even mind having to sleep in that jacket when her family couldn’t afford to turn on the heat.

For a long time, this just seemed normal to Ashley. With her father out of the picture, her mother always struggled to make ends meet. And growing up in a poor neighborhood meant that everyone around her was in a similar position. Ashley really wasn’t even aware that life could be any different.

“Things that you and I may take for granted, such as heat in our homes or a stocked pantry, are things that too many of our children went without. Children like Ashley. “

But everything changed when Ashley’s mom lost her job. If money had been tight before, it was nonexistent now. All too often, she would come home from school and find the pantry empty. This wasn’t like before when she and her mother would have a few lean days between paychecks—there was very rarely food in the house. And even though it was the coldest part of the year, the heat was always shut off in the apartment.

Ashley’s mom was so depressed about losing her job that she could barely get out of bed. She just didn’t seem to have the energy to take care of Ashley anymore. It was very hard for her to see her mother so upset, but she didn’t know how to possibly make her feel better.

Ashley began to dread going home. After school, she would wander around her neighborhood, only slipping back inside when she got too tired to keep walking around. The stress of the situation was beginning to take a toll on Ashley. Once an above-average student, Ashley’s grades plummeted. She stopped doing her homework entirely. What was going on at home weighed so heavily on her mind that she found it impossible to think about anything else.

Ashley’s teacher became concerned about the sudden change in her behavior. When she held Ashley behind one day, she asked her if there was anything going on that Ashley wanted to talk about. Ashley didn’t plan on letting her teacher know about the troubles at home, but the story came out anyway.

“What was going on at home weighed so heavily on her mind that she found it impossible to think about anything else.”

Ashley’s teacher knew she had to figure out a way to help, and immediately thought of Mercy Home. She told Ashley that it was a place where she never had to worry about whether it would be warm throughout the winter, or that there would be enough food to eat. Instead, Ashley could simply focus on the things a kid should be focused on, like school. There was no question in Ashley’s mind—she wanted to move in right away!

Now that she has been at Mercy Home for a year, her excitement has only grown. She has truly blossomed at Mercy Home. Her grades are better than they ever were, and she has made many great friendships with the other girls. I am so proud of Ashley’s success, and I know you are, too. Thank you for helping us make miracles possible in the lives of kids like Ashley! Your prayers and support are life-changing. I am so grateful.

A special partnership for the sake of Mercy’s kids and for our televised Sunday Mass

You can make a difference in the life of a troubled child. Fr. Scott needs Partners to pray for our kids at Mercy Home–and also faithful Partners to help broadcast Sunday Mass at Mercy Home.

By pledging your support and your prayers, you’re offering a precious gift to Mercy’s kids–and helping our community of faith join together every week.

The boys and girls of Mercy Home are very proud of the difference they are able to make just by sharing their time and heart with others. None of this would be possible without our kind, faithful supporters, for not only sharing their friendship but for also setting an example of generosity and compassion for them to follow. During this month, please keep the young people of Mercy Home and all of our generous benefactors in your thoughts and prayers.